Today’s Tip from The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference: Improve your water heater’s efficiency by adding insulation.
“Insulating your water heater can reduce heat loss by up to 45 percent. Home improvement centers sell insulating blankets in one size for under $20. To maximize energy efficiency, choose a blanket with an insulation value of at least R-8.
It’s easy to install an insulating blanket on an electric water heater. Take the blanet out of the package, wrap it around you water heater (pretend you are wrapping a cylindrical birthday present), and cut it to fit. Just make sure that the insulation does not extend past the top of the water heater, as this could be a safety hazard. Leave the thermostat panel uncovered and be sure the temerpature is not set above 130 degrees (otherwise the wiring may overheat).
It is significantly more difficult to install an insulating blanket on a gas-or oil-fired water heater, so it’s best to all a qualified plumbing or heating contractor.”
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